Athletics - Program of Events

The Events ProgrammeDay 1 Morning: o Swearing-in ceremony for all competitors and judges in the Bouleuterion (Council House) before the alter and statue of Zeus Horkios (Zeus of the Oaths). o Contests for the heralds and trumpeters held near the stadium entrance. o Boys' running, wrestling, and boxing contests. o Public and private prayers and sacrifices in the Altis; consultation of oracles. Afternoon: o Orations by well-known philosophers and recitals by poets and historians, perhaps also as part of competitions. o (Sightseeing tours of the Altis. Reunions with old friends.)Day 2 Morning: o Procession into the hippodrome of all those competing there ­ chariot and horse races. Afternoon: o The pentathlon: discus, javelin, jumping, running, and wrestling. Evening: o Funeral rites in honour of the hero Pelops. o Parade of victors round the Altis. o Communal singing of victory hymns. o Feasting and revelry.

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Day 3 Morning: o Procession of the hellanodikai (judge), ambassadors from the Greek states, competitors in all events and sacrificial animals round the Altis to the Great Alter in front of the Temple of Zeus, followed by the official sacrifice of 100 oxen given by the people of Elis. Afternoon: o Foot-races. Evening: o Public banquet in the Prytaneion.Day 4 Morning: o Wrestling. Midday: o Boxing and the pankration (type of all-in wrestling). Afternoon: o Race-in-armour.…read more